Executive to discuss plans for £2.6m cycling and walking route

Councillors are to discuss exciting plans for a new £2.6m cycling and walking route around the Mersey Valley.

Trafford Council’s Executive is recommended to approve the Urmston to Sale Water Park cycling, walking and equestrian improvement scheme at its meeting in the Town Hall on Monday.

The plans, which are being managed by the One Trafford Partnership, will upgrade cycling facilities near the M60 and will link Urmston and Sale Water Park to the Mersey Valley Visitors Centre and Jackson’s Boat Bridge.

The proposed route will run between Trafford and Manchester and incorporates Jackson's Boat Bridge, which connects the two boroughs over the river Mersey. The old, narrow bridge currently has an ‘extremely steep slope’ on one side and all options as to how the approach embankment and bridge were being considered.

However, the bridge has recently been given Grade 2 Listed status and, as part of the application, it is proposed to build a new bridge alongside it. The bridge would cater for equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians.

A new cycle route could also be built through Turn Moss playing fields if the funds are available.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change, said:

This scheme would create a fantastic new cycle infrastructure that takes in one of the most popular areas in Greater Manchester for bike riders and walkers.

As part of our health and wellbeing strategies, we want to encourage more people to cycle and walk in the area and enjoy the beautiful countryside.”